Vikings-Ravens Trade: Breaking Down the Specifics of the Deal

The Vikings traded down early in the first, now GM Rick Spielman kept good on his threat to move back into the late first. The Baltimore Ravens, possibly crestfallen after missing out on Dont'a Hightower, traded the 29th pick to the Vikings for the 35th pick and 98th pick. The Vikings then selected Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith.

Winners

Minnesota: Already with an extra fourth, fifth, and seventh, and two compensatory fourths, the Vikings could give up their third to move up for Harrison Smith without much worry of missing opportunities to stock up with young talent. Their secondary was a massive problem last year, and Smith will instantly be their best safety.

Safeties: With Mark Barron going top 10 and Smith breaking into a first, a position that was neglected in the draft last year, and also in free agency, is on the rise.

Losers

Baltimore: Yes, the Ravens add an extra early-fourth, but their main rivals, the Steelers and Patriots, made more strides than they did in the first round. The Patriots greatly improved their defense and the Steelers added the best guard prospect in the draft. The Ravens not seeing a player that they though merited a first-round pick is a bad sign.

Peter Konz: The Wisconsin center was a common pick for the Ravens because of his ability to play all three interior offensive line spots and the age of starting center Matt Birk. They could still get him at No. 35, but he'll lose some money and the first-round status.